Brazilian crane manufacturer Madal Palfinger's truck crane range is well positioned for the Brazilian market, and users appreciate the equipment's low operating costs, compact and reliable construction, and high level of mobility. In particular, Palfinger's BR400 telescopic truck crane offers maximum productivity at an ideal cost-to-benefit ratio. The BR400 has a capacity of 40 tons, a boom length of 37.5 m, and complements its existing truck crane line, which includes the MD 300 and MD 600.

To make the BR400 even more versatile, Palfinger now fits each with a Mentor load moment indicator (LMI) from Hirschmann Automation and Control Inc., Chambersburg, Pa. as standard equipment. The Mentor provides the operator with a continuous display of the crane's actual and allowable load, boom length, boom angle, and load radius. The system also includes an integrated bar graph, which displays the crane's utilization. The combination of the central unit being integrated into the console and the use of CAN bus sensors permits quick and easy installation. Set-up and calibration is done via a user-friendly console, which also incorporates a large backlit LCD.

Maintenance-free sensors are connected via CAN bus and controlled by means of CANopen. The Hirschmann Mentor also provides the flexibility of optional working area definition, event recorder, and the use of wireless sensors.